The Benue State Government has redeemed a N500,000 empowerment pledge made by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to beneficiaries of the 774 Explode Initiative, a women-focused programme of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at promoting gender inclusion and participation in politics.
The pledge was fulfilled on Friday, during a ceremony held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi. The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Hon. Scholastica Ben Sor.
Addressing participants, Ben Sor recalled that the 774 Explode Initiative was introduced to Benue State in June 2024 by the APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Adele Alile, under the theme “Enhancing Gender Space in Politics.”
She noted that Benue became the first state in the country to flag off the programme, attributing the feat to Governor Alia’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive governance.
She explained that at the flag-off ceremony, the governor pledged to support one beneficiary from each of the state’s 23 local government areas with a N500,000 grant, alongside additional funding for vocational skills acquisition. According to her, the fulfilment of the pledge reflects the governor’s integrity and determination to keep faith with the people.
“This is a leader who says what he means and does what he says. Today, we are here to redeem that pledge so that people can see and know that His Excellency is a man of his word,” Ben Sor said.
She clarified that the funds were provided directly from the governor’s office and not by the national party, describing the gesture as a deliberate effort to empower women economically and politically, adding that beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process involving stakeholders, stressing that neither the governor nor top government officials influenced the selection.
The beneficiaries, she said, would receive two envelopes one containing the N500,000 grant and another for skills acquisition in areas such as tailoring, baking, hairdressing, manicure and pedicure, ICT and other vocational trades, aimed at promoting self-reliance.
Ben Sor commended Dr. Mary Adele Alile for initiating the 774 Explode programme, describing it as a strategic response to the underrepresentation of women in governance. She further disclosed that the Alia administration has appointed over 70 women into key positions across the state, noting that the appointments are both strategic and impactful.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Hon. Uwah Vera Wuese from Ukum Local Government Area (Zone A) thanked Governor Alia for empowering women and recognizing them as partners in development. Esther Kunde from Makurdi (Zone B) also expressed appreciation to the governor and pledged continued grassroots support for his administration.
From Zone C, Ode Ada Theresa of Otukpo commended the Federal Government, the APC National Woman Leader and the Benue State Government for prioritizing women empowerment and inclusive governance.